Net Revenue

What it is:

Net revenue typically refers to a company's revenue net of discounts and returns. Sometimes, though, the user is referring to net profit, which is sales net of all expenses.

How it works (Example):

Let's assume restaurant chain XYZ sold $1 million worth of sales for the year. However, the chain also offered $30,000 worth of discounts throughout the year to senior citizens, student groups and people who redeemed a certain coupon. It also refunded $5,000 to unhappy customers for the same period. As a result, restaurant chain XYZ's net revenue is:

$1 million - $30,000 - $5,000 = $965,000

Typically, the company records the discounts and refunds near the top of the income statement, just under the gross revenue number.

Why it Matters:

Net revenue is not the same as gross revenue. As the example shows, it accounts for certain price reductions, price adjustments and refunds. It's important to always consult GAAP and IASB accounting rules and industry standards to determine what specific types of discounts are appropriate here; some are more appropriately recorded as marketing expenses.

Net revenue generally does not account for the cost of goods sold, general and administrative expenses or other costs (those are typically incorporated in the operating income calculation). Net revenue is generally intended to be a measure of the "real top line" rather than the bottom line.

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